Maradona criticizes Argentina performance, says ‘Messi is lonely’

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Argentina legend Diego Maradona, has blasted the performance of his national team, placing the blame for their poor displays at the feet of Alejandro Sabella.

La Albiceleste squeezed through to the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup, after a 1-0 win in extra-time oevr Switzerland, with Angel Di Maria neeting the winner in the 118th minute.

“I don’t think we’ve started yet,” Maradona told De Zurda.

“The team has no change of pace, no movement at the front. I have something inside of me that is very strong, it’s like bitterness, rage, anger. Argentina will have to play much better as a team.”

Maradona, who won the 1986 edition of the World Cup, also pointed out Argentina’s over-reliance on Lionel Messi and warned that Belgium, who they play in the last eight, will be another kettle of fish altogether.

“Messi is very lonely,” the fomer national team head coach added.

“The Argentina midfield falter much and do not take initiative. If Messi does not take it forward we will fall in the next round as that will be to blame for Argentina’s catastrophe.

“The team is playing at 40 per cent of its potential. There are players who have not yet started playing the World Cup.

“Belgium is another matter. If Argentina does not wake up, we’re in trouble.”